When it’s appropriately directed towards your loving heavenly Father.

Yesterday I said that there’s no such thing as “godly venting”, meaning venting to someone about other people. But there is a type of venting we find in the scriptures… when God’s people are dealing with real trials and suffering, they come before their loving Father and they process it it honestly, and respectfully with Him.

See how the Psalmist bears his heart’s troubles to God…

Ps 73:2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. […]
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.

Ps 64:1 Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

Or Moses,

Ex 5:22 Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? 23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”

Or Elijah,

1Ki 19:4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

Jeremiah probably wished he was a little more careful…

Je 20:7 You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. 8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long.

But at the same time, be careful… Remember what God said to Job…

Job 38: Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.